Complaints cross 700, fine crosses Rs 9lakh: RTOs

The Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO) continued its crackdown on errant auto drivers on Wednesday, as they booked 31autos and penalised eight auto rickshaw drivers collecting a penalty of more than Rs32, 000.

The Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO) continued its crackdown on errant auto drivers on Wednesday, as they booked 31autos and penalised eight auto rickshaw drivers collecting a penalty of more than Rs32, 000.

From the first week of December, both the Andheri and Wadala RTOs have been regularly booking auto rickshaw drivers for tampering with their meters.

In a single month, both the RTOs together have booked nearly 700 complaints and recovered more than Rs9lakh from 434 complaints.

“On Wednesday, we focused only on auto rickshaws and booked the maximum complaints of rigged meters.

The nuisance of tampered meters has been increasing, therefore our main concern is to book auto drivers so

that others learn a lesson,” said an official from the Andheri RTO, requesting anonymity.

The Andheri RTO sends confiscated auto meters to the Bandra Polytechnic and Thakoor Polytechnic, Kandivali to check how fast they are.

Following, this the owner or driver has to submit their permit/license to redeem the meter, which he repairs and brings back for recheck.

“The meter is rechecked on the test track and only if found normal can the driver /owner redeem their permit or licence after paying a penalty,” the official said.